Mention ice cream and most people in Ireland think HB. The nation’s number one ice cream maker has delighted Irish tastebuds with an array of much-loved classics over the years; from the classic Cornetto to the blokey Feast; from the indulgence of a Magnum to the refreshment of a Solero; from the milky goodness of a slice of HB Hazelbrook Farm to the crisp sophistication of a Viennetta after dinner. HB has been putting a smile across Irish faces for over 80 years but when and where did all this delicious ice cream making start?
HB – The origins
HB Ice cream was brought to life by the Hughes family of Rathfarnham, Dublin.
Originally dairy farmers, the Hughes family comprised William and Margaret Hughes and their six children, William, George, James, Annie, Frances and Margaret. In 1898, William and Margaret Hughes built their new Hazelbrook farmhouse on a site in Rathfarnham which would eventually house the Hazelbrook Dairy and the HB Ice cream production plant. When William passed away in 1906, his three sons took over the running of the farm and in 1924, these visionary brothers established Ireland’s first dairy factory at Hazelbrook Farm.
In 1926, in order to use up the surplus milk and cream that was produced during the spring and summer for the dairy factory, the three Hughes Brothers took another entrepreneurial step and began to manufacture Ice cream. Ireland’s love affair with the Hazelbrook Farm vanilla 1 pint brick began and Ireland’s favourite ice cream brand, HB, was born. Although HB or Hughes Brothers was acquired by W.R. Grace and Co., New York in 1964 and subsequently by Unilever in 1973, William W Hughes, son of James, one of the founding brothers, remained an influential board member until his retirement in 1982.
Today, HB Ice Cream is divided into the In Home and Out of Home ranges. The In Home range consists of HB’s famous Hazelbrook Farm family tubs and bricks, the Viennetta logs, premium Carte D’Or tubs and our very successful Multipacks. Out of Home, the HB success story continues with brands like Magnum, Solero, Cornetto, Kids and Classics. Our kids range is specially formulated for little taste buds with favourites such as Loop the Loop, Twister and Calippo. The HB Classics range comprises the biggest selling Ice creams in Ireland such as Ice Berger, Maxi Twist and Brunch.
- Although the Irish population of the 1920s lived in relative poverty with the average wage being less than €3.20 per week, it became a tradition to purchase a HB 1 Pint Brick of Ice Cream to be consumed after mass with Sunday lunch.
- Apart from using modern colours and an ice cream product shot, the HB 1 pint vanilla brick is still sold in a similar cardboard pack to that which was used in the 1920s – why change when you are on to a winning formula?
- HB has an 80% share in the ice cream market, with an 82% share of the Out of Home range – the highest in the entire industry.
- Ice cream is made from milk, fat and sugar. These are cooled as they are mixed, then whipped to create a light, airy texture. Flavourings, fruit or chocolate are added then the whole mixture is frozen again before packaging.
Be Vital with HB
It has always been HB’s mission to add vitality to your life. That’s why we’re constantly adjusting our range to ensure it’s a good honest scoop of daily pleasure you can enjoy whenever. Our kids range is artificial free, we have lighter versions available for those watching the calories, smaller sizes for smaller appetites and old favourites for those nostalgia lovers – HB has something for everyone.
The Story of HB – 80 Years of Ireland’s Favourite Ice cream
is an account of the birth and growth of an enterprise whose development went hand-in-hand with that of a newly independent Ireland. Using quality local produce, a strict hygiene regime and the 'new' sciences of refrigeration and pasteurisation, surplus milk from the herds supplying the Hughes family's south Dublin bottle dairy was made into ice cream. Soon the "brick after mass" became a regular Sunday treat, as the nation's taste buds warmed to - some would say cooled to - HB ice cream.
Complete with photographic images from 1920s Ireland right up to the present day, this beautifully written commemorative book tells the story of the people who worked for HB and whose lives became entwined in HB, the technical developments which allowed new products to be developed and the lasting affection the Irish people have for the HB brand.
From the worlds of politics, writing, publishing and business, some of our leading citizens recall ice cream moments.
From the worlds of politics, writing, publishing and business, some of our leading citizens recall ice cream moments.
- Taoiseach Bertie Ahern recalls being confronted by a daunting menu, and taking the ice cream escape route.
- Novelist Maeve Binchy was overcome by a 'fourpenny wafer' and was inspired to save a Protestant soul.
- Former Tanaiste Dick Spring recalls a childhood impulse to leave Kerry and live near Hazelbrook Dairy.
- Playwright Bernard Farrell recalls a chilly welcome for an important guest.
To purchase a copy of this commemorative gem, please send your name & address along with a cheque or postal order in the amount of €32.50 (incl. €3.00 p&p) to:
Accounts Receivable
Unilever Ireland Ltd.,
20 Riverwalk,
National Digital Park,
Citywest Business Campus,
Dublin 24.
The book will be posted out within 28 days of receipt of payment.
Accounts Receivable
Unilever Ireland Ltd.,
20 Riverwalk,
National Digital Park,
Citywest Business Campus,
Dublin 24.
The book will be posted out within 28 days of receipt of payment.
"The Story of HB" can also be purchased from the following outlets:
Easons Booksellers (if not in stock, it can be ordered through Easons).
Selected Booksellers will order the book for you.
Ordering online through
www.easons.ie
www.amazon.co.uk
Easons Booksellers (if not in stock, it can be ordered through Easons).
Selected Booksellers will order the book for you.
Ordering online through
www.easons.ie
www.amazon.co.uk
